The debate surrounding the hefty fees and massive entourages of Bollywood film stars has been a longstanding concern in the industry. It’s been argued that actors often demand fees that are equivalent to, or even exceed, the budget of the film itself. This, in turn, impacts the film’s overall business, which is a cause for concern. Several filmmakers have expressed their discontent with this trend, and now, veteran director Subhash Ghai has also weighed in on the matter.
Ghai shared his thoughts on the exorbitant fees paid to film stars, placing the blame squarely on corporate companies. With a hint of sarcasm, he remarked that these companies are responsible for starting this trend. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Ghai explained, “When you can make a film for 100 rupees, but you want to make it for 1,000 rupees, remember that there are many people who have a vested interest in siphoning off the remaining 900 rupees. The film could have been made for 100 rupees, but you’ve chosen to make it for 1,000 rupees, so each department will take a cut – 50 rupees, 10 rupees, and so on. Our collaborators have become our labor divisions, with separate departments and interests.”
Subhash Ghai’s Outburst Against Stars’ Hefty Fees
Ghai further emphasized that the focus has shifted from making quality films to prioritizing business interests. He stated, “Earlier, filmmakers had a vision to make small, meaningful films. Now, everyone has their own agenda, and no one cares about making a film within a reasonable budget. The filmmaker’s vision used to be about creating a good film, but now it’s all about the business.” He highlighted that the dynamics have changed, with stars now taking home a significant chunk of the profits, upwards of 70%. In contrast, Ghai revealed that during his time, they would only offer stars around 10-15% of the total budget.
The Blame Game: Corporate Companies Under Fire
When asked about the implications of this trend, Ghai pointed fingers at corporate companies, stating that they initiated this practice. He explained, “Since corporate companies took over the film industry, they’ve been driven by the need to showcase their profits in the share market. They need to release multiple films to demonstrate their financial standing. I didn’t launch my IPO with any ulterior motives; I did it to bring discipline to the industry. However, people have misused this trend for personal gain.” Ghai proudly mentioned that his production company, Mukta Arts, has been a corporate entity since 2001, and he’s used the funds to establish a reputable institution and produce 43 films, all of which have been made within budget and have generated profits.
A Shift in Priorities: From Art to Business
Ghai lamented the fact that the film industry has become more focused on business than art. He reminisced about the old days, saying, “We used to consider the film as our god, and we were mere mortals. If the film succeeded, we could become gods. Now, it’s the opposite – the film is secondary, and we’re more concerned about our own interests. The studios own the films, and we’re just pawns in the game. The money is divided among the producers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders.” Ghai’s words underscore the changing landscape of the film industry, where commercial interests have begun to overshadow the artistic aspects of filmmaking.
A Lesson from the Past: Focusing on Writers and Composers
Ghai shared his own approach to filmmaking, revealing that he has directed 18 films and produced 49, but never once sold a film based on its cast. Instead, he has always prioritized writers and composers, valuing their creative input above all else. However, he noted that nowadays, film studios are more concerned with chasing stars rather than understanding the vision of writers and composers. This shift in priorities has led to a decline in the quality of films, with business interests taking center stage. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the focus will return to the art of storytelling or remain entrenched in the world of commerce.
